Teen Who Used To Fear Running, Now Runs For Cause - Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29

Teen Who Used To Fear Running, Now Runs For Cause

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Southwest Philadelphia -

A 13-year-old girl who once associated running with fear is now running for fun.

For 13-year-old Koo Gartei, running was anything but fun. Her family had to abruptly leave war-torn Liberia when she was just seven.

Now, as a member of the Pepper Middle School track team in Southwest Philadelphia, she enjoys the sport.

But Gartei's newfound love for running isn't just about the exercise. Gartei serves as the president of the school organization "Hype," also known as Healthy You Positive Energy, which promotes healthy eating and exercise to students throughout the school.

Gartei was one of 900 kids who took part in the ING Kids Rock Philly marathon Thursday. The kids ran 25 miles over eight weeks, then ran their last mile Thursday.

It's all part of a program to combat childhood obesity.

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